Cooking system with ventilator and blower

ABSTRACT

An indoor or outdoor cooking system with integrated downdraft or elevating ventilator uses cross-flow or centrifugal blower technology. The system is controlled by an electronic or mechanical controller through a touch device, a slide, or knob. These provide precise control and an efficient way of removal of gases/fumes. A cook top incorporates the heating elements and a downdraft. The ventilator&#39;s blower assembly has a fan and a filter. The system may use sensors to detect temperature, fire, effluent, filter change requirements, fan speed, power, and voltage. The system has programmable operations and numerous set points.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to cooking appliances and, moreparticularly, to an appliance with a ventilation system having a fixedor adjustable ventilator and an adjustable blower.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Many different types of cooking appliances produce smoke, steam, orother gaseous contamination during use. Often, it is consideredbeneficial to utilize some type of ventilation system to evacuate thisair borne contamination, either upward through a venting hood ordownward into a draft flue. In kitchens, most known venting arrangementstake the form of a hood which is fixed above a cooking surface and whichcan be selectively activated to evacuate the contaminated air. Downdraftvent arrangements are also widely known in the art wherein a cookingsurface will incorporate a vent opening that is positioned betweendifferent sections of the cooking surface or extends along a back of thecooking surface. These downdraft vents can either be fixed relative tothe cooking surface or can be raised relative to the cooking surface toan operating position.

Downdraft blowers are generally multiple speed fans, having a low speedand a high speed. Blowers are typically controlled by a mechanicalmulti-position switch, potentiometer, or rheostat type control, whichset the speed of the fan. For removal of normal cooking odors, steam,and other effluents and contaminates, low speed operation of thedowndraft blower has been adequate. However, when using such a cookingsystem such as a grill, a blower set at high speed has been better ableto withdraw all of the grease laden air from a kitchen and duct it tothe outside environment. In systems, such as cook tops and grills withoptimized proximity ventilation, cooking gases, vapors and odors aredrawn into an exhaust inlet and are exhausted into the atmosphere.Usually, the exhaust inlet or vent is located adjacent the cookingsurface. The inlet flow path serially includes a plenum, a blower, anatmospheric exhaust, and interconnecting ductwork. The flow path to theatmosphere normally extends through a wall or floor of the room in whichthe cooking system is located, but can also be exhausted into a room iffiltered.

The blower/fan is frequently a generally separate unit from the rest ofthe cooking system and is installed prior to the installation of theunit into a counter top. Some blower systems are provided with a pair ofbrackets, which permits the selective mounting of the blower to thefloor or the appliance itself for discharge either through a wall orthrough the floor, as required by the installation. Conventionaldowndraft venting system configurations with an exhaust air inletlocated at cook top level work well with electric surface units.However, when used in combination with gas on glass surface units, thedowndraft induced air flow at the cook top surface tends to interferewith the gas flame.

A cooking system using electrical or gas heating for cooking purposes isnormally constructed of a metal housing and a supporting glass or othercooking surface. The housing normally contains an electronic or gaspackage for use in supplying heat to the element and/or surface and thepot or other container thereon. This package consists of a group ofinterconnected components, such as, coils with wires that are mountedwithin the housing.

Because of the heat generated by the package, it is often necessary toprovide some form of cooling for the package. Fans have been found to bethe least expensive and most reliable cooling solution. The knowndrawback here, though, has been the sensitivity of the air flow, ordisruption of which causes failure or reduced energy for operation ofthe system.

In order to operate for a prolonged period without the system breakingdown/turning off, it is necessary then to use a fan that circulates airthroughout the interior of the cooking system housing so as to maintainthe proper temperature for the heating components employed. Failure tokeep the element cool results in loss of power to the cooking product ora complete unit shutdown. Normally, such a fan or blower is connectedinto the circuit used to supply power to the electronic components and,thus, is automatically turned on each time the cooking element/generatoris turned on. However, to avoid overheating, the fan often remains onafter shutdown of the cooking elements so that heated air within thecooking system housing can be removed until a proper safe temperaturelevel is obtained.

While the use of a fan in this manner is desirable in preventingheat-caused damage to the electronic components employed, it is alsoconsidered a disadvantage. The use of a fan has two problems when usedfor cooling a cook top. First, noise is often associated with the fan'soperation. Too many users find this noise to be objectionable. Further,the use of a fan alone is considered a problem because if air flow isblocked, the unit must be completely shut down for safety reasons.However, a user does not take into consideration whether or not there isheat buildup present within a housing, rather only noting that the unitfailed to operate.

Although it is possible to use other methods to prevent overheating,e.g., by the use of thermostats and various related known temperaturesensing apparatus for controlling the flow of current in an electricalcircuit, it is known that relying solely on such expedients isundesirable for any of a variety of reasons, including effectiveness,cost, and reliability.

As noted, many conventional cook tops often have integrated downdraftventilators. Present designs have long rectangular boxes extending belowthe glass or metal cook top as much as 30 inches. A blower assembly isattached to this box or plenum and extends therefrom. The plenum doesnot in some cases provide any sealing to prevent the drawing of air fromthe box. Included in the typical downdraft assembly are: the blowerhousing assembly, squirrel cage housing assembly, centrifugal wheel,blower motor assembly, plenum chamber assembly, and a passage betweenthe cook top and the plenum chamber for removal of air from the topsurface of the appliance. The box is often of a single-walled or adouble-walled construction if you include the cook top box/housing andhas insulating air in between the plenum and cook top housing. Anopening is provided to the interior of the box for exhausting. Thecentrifugal type fan/blower may be housed in the squirrel cage housingassembly with both attached to the plenum. Alternatively, such a singlefan blower may also be attached to the side of the plenum with air flowat 90 degrees from the side of the plenum.

Blowers have been generally designed to draw air downwardly with the useof a centrifugal type fan, and thus remove contaminated air from a cooktop surface to a box, remove the interior air from the box, and exhaustit outside or return to the room. A centrifugal fan creates higherpressures than that of an axial flow fan. In such conventional systems,the air flow stream is pulled from the front and sides of the work areato the middle where the ventilator is. The air stream has to then turn90 degrees downwardly, once inside the plenum chamber. The air streamhas to then turn 90 degrees again into a small diameter opening whencompared to the size of the ventilator's plenum chamber. Once the airstream enters the blower flow, it usually is redirected downwardly againfor exhausting. With all this bending of the air stream, air is lost.Thus, large amounts of draw/vacuum/suction are needed to overcome allthese losses. With the need for more draw/vacuum/suction comes a largerfan/blower motor, which increases costs, noise, size, and weight.

Present centrifugal fans consist of a wheel with small blades on thecircumference and a shroud to direct and control the air flow into thecenter of the wheel and out at the periphery. The blades move the air bycentrifugal force, literally throwing the air out of the wheel at theperiphery, creating a vacuum/suction inside the wheel. There are twobasic design types of wheel blades in centrifugal blowers—forward curvedblades and backward inclined blades.

Forward curved wheels are operated at relatively low speeds and are usedto deliver large air volumes against relatively low static pressures.However, the light construction of the forward curved blade does notpermit this wheel to be operated at speeds needed to generate highstatic pressures. Thus, this type is generally not used in downdraftventilators.

The backward inclined blade blower wheel design has blades that areslanted away from the direction of the wheel travel. The performance ofthis wheel is characterized by high efficiency, high cubic foot perminute (CFM) operation and is usually of rugged construction making itsuitable for high static pressure applications. The maximum staticefficiency for these types is approximately 75 to 80%. A drawback tothis type is that it must be designed for twice the speed, whichincreases the cost of the unit.

To date, axial flow fans are not used for such cook top venting as itwas believed that they could not provide the static pressures needed fordrawing/vacuum/suction, size, and spacing requirements. Axial flow fanscome in three basic types of fans. The propeller fan (e.g., thehousehold fan), the tube axial fan, and vane axial fan (cross-flow ortangential). The first of these is the most familiar. The propeller fanconsists of a propeller blade and a so-called “aperture” to restrictblowback from the sides. Without the aperture, the fan is not truly apropeller fan, since it cannot positively move air from one space toanother. The aperture is usually sheet metal/plastic designed to fitclosely around the periphery of the propeller. The tube axial fan (foundin computers) is literally a propeller fan in a tube. In this case, thetube replaces the aperture. The tube axial fan generally increases flowquantity, pressure, and efficiency due to the reduced air leakage at theblade tips. The vane axial fan (cross-flow or tangential) is a tubeaxial fan with the addition of vanes within the tube to straighten outthe air flow. Here, the air flow changes from helical flow imparted bythe propeller into a more nearly straight line flow and in the processincreases the suction or draws pressure and efficiency while reducingnoise. In general, the propeller fan operates at the lowest pressure.The tube axial fan is somewhat higher, and the vane axial fan suppliesthe highest-pressure output of the three. Vane axial fans are used whenavailable space for installation is limited, such as that of computers.Static efficiencies of at least 70 to 75% are achieved with vane axialfans. The CFM and static performance ranges of the vane axial fan aresimilar to that of a centrifugal fan. Horsepower requirements are alsoabout the same for both designs.

The present downdraft ventilator designs also present problems whenintegrated into a cook top. Because of the low profile, spilled food andliquids can enter the grate. Removal of these items is difficult whennot captured by the filter. This is due, in part, to the deep depth ofthe plenum and the narrow box size.

The present design of ventilators is also often large and bulky.Examples would be downdraft ventilators built into a cabinet or used onan island counter top. There, space below the unit is not available fora user to use for storage due to the centrifugal blower below and thesize of the plenum presently used. Large size also limits the downdraftventilator from being placed in other areas or used with other productsbelow the cook top. This also limits the downdraft ventilator from beingused as a freestanding unit, as a mobile unit, used in a cabinet (e.g.,suspended), or in areas that do not have the ability to support a largestructural frame below.

The below-referenced U.S. patents disclose embodiments that were atleast, in part, satisfactory for the purposes for which they wereintended. The disclosures of all the below-referenced prior UnitedStates patents in their entireties are hereby expressly incorporated byreference into the present application for purposes including, but notlimited to, indicating the background of the present invention andillustrating the state of the art.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,859,499 discloses an air flow system for heat-cleaningranges in which room air is drawn through air inlets located along thesides and top of an oven opening. The air passes through a space betweenthe range's outer casting and the inner oven cabinet. A blower draws airinto the upper air flow passageway during an oven heat-cleaning cycle.The blower exhausts air to the atmosphere through a vented splash panel.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,31, entitled “Kitchen air filtration system”discloses an improved air filtration system for a kitchen island tocleanse cooking vapors from the air. The system includes an updraft ordowndraft air inlet vent for capturing, either individually orsimultaneously, the vapor-containing air generated during the cookingprocess. The captured air is directed through an exhaust duct to an airfilter which removes the cooking vapors from the air. The filtered airis then discharged back into the kitchen. The filtered air may also bedehumidified or heated, and a fragrance may optionally be provided tothe filtered air. The air filtration system can also be used simply asair cleaner for the kitchen with the option of adding a fragrance to theair.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,455,818, entitled “Downdraft filter assembly for acooking appliance” discloses a filtering system for a downdraft cookingappliance. A filter assembly is arranged directly below an air grillleading to a venting plenum. The filter assembly includes a liner whichsupports a filter element and is removably positioned inside the plenum.The filter element can be arranged inside the liner, attached thereto orinsert molded into the liner material. The liner is preferably suspendedfrom the air grill so as to be readily removable in unison with thegrill for inspection, cleaning or replacement. In a preferredembodiment, the liner is formed with opposing, outwardly projectingflanges which slide into mating channels formed into the underside ofthe grill. With this arrangement, exposure of the wall surfaces of theplenum to the cooking byproducts is minimized, thereby greatly reducingany necessary cleaning of these surfaces.

U.S. Pat. No 6,119,680, entitled “Ventilation system for an appliance”discloses a ventilation system for an appliance, such as a clothes dryeror a cooking device. The invention includes a blower unit locatedremotely from the appliance and connected to the appliance through anelongated duct. To control the operation of the blower unit, atransmitter is used to send signals to a receiver electrically connectedto the blower unit. In accordance with certain preferred embodiments ofthe invention, radio frequency, ultrasonic or other similar types ofsignals are directed through the duct to the receiver. In accordancewith another preferred embodiment, a power line transmitter is utilized.A method of remotely controlling the operation of the applianceventilation system is also provided.

However, as the above attempts are lacking, there exists a need for astate-of-the-art cooking system with an integrated downdraft or aelevating ventilator using cross-flow or centrifugal blower technologyto accurately control speed, power, voltage, venting, and noise, reduceweight, cost, and size, and better remove contaminates. There alsoexists a need for an accurate method of controlling the system'soperations and a need for the user to be able to view/see theoperations, speeds, set points, functions, and the contents on the cooktop. There is also a need for a proper vent design so that drawn airdoes not improperly remove air at the burner and a need for a systemthat is easy to clean and maintain.

Further, there is a need for controls to be less susceptible to theenvironment, a need for a remote control, a need to accurately apply andcontrol heat output as it is returned to the room, and a need for a newdesign that can be used in a variety of places and spaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive cooking system preferably has a fixed or an elevatingventilator integrated into a smooth glass ceramic cook top for removalof contaminated air. The system may also incorporate a cross-flow orcentrifugal blower system for the source of air removal device. Further,a cook top with integrated downdraft or elevating ventilator usingcross-flow or centrifugal blower may be combined with other counter toprange items to reduce the need for an over-the-head (updraft) typeventilator and increase space below.

Such a system preferably includes a cook top/grill, built-in range, orother cooking appliance. It has a single to a plurality of/inductorheating elements located on a counter, range, or other surface. However,this inventive system may also use gas or electric type heating elementsfound on appliances. The ventilator preferably includes a base housingor plenum and cross-flow blower assembly. The base housing is attachedto a cook top or other surface and is preferably permanently fixed. Theplenum is preferably only as deep as a cook top housing member and ispreferably sealed to the glass/metal to prevent leaking of air. Theinvention preferably incorporates a keypad and control circuit, whichenables adjustment of the fan speeds and sensors. The control of theventilator may be integrated into present controls, located on or underthe cook top, remotely located, or parts of the keypad/control can besplit between the ventilator and other locations. The controls mayinclude an electronic control board that may be located on the cook top,or remotely, or parts of the electronic control board may be splitbetween the cook top and other locations. The control board alsopreferably determines that a stop/obstruction is present by the increasein current, air flow, voltage, or resistance, and accordingly adjusts orturns off the power supply.

In one embodiment, the present invention is preferably a cook top withintegrated downdraft or elevating ventilator using an electronicallycontrolled cross-flow or centrifugal blower technology assembly. Itpreferably includes a cook top housing assembly, a cross-flow blowerassembly, a ventilation system, a ceramic glass cook top, an opening forthe vent or downdraft, and a filter. The cross-flow blower assembly iscomposed of a motor item, a fan wheel with blades, and a blower housingpreferably attached to an air passage in the cook top housing. Theseitems, motor, fan wheel, housing may be one assembly or may be made soas to be separate components integrated into a plenum. Seals areprovided for sealing the space between plenum or base housing and wallsin the passage created by the cook top housing. The seal also preferablymakes contact with the vent or grate member to provide sealing on thecook top. It is also important that the sealing provide a barrier to theair flow so as not to disrupt the cooling air to the generator in anyway. This provides for better air loss control and reduces side airremoval. This method need not use the double wall construction used incentrifugal types. In another embodiment, the plenum may be part of thecook top passage. The cross-flow blower may be preferably attached tothe cook top housing. This single box design reduces the cost ofmanufacturing.

A cross-flow blower assembly may be used as long as the surroundingsurfaces can take the air movement and not be interfered with. In oneembodiment, air moves down the passage of the cook top lower housing tothe blower assembly from an opening in the glass ceramic cook topsurface. The advantage to using this method is that the base plenumhousing is eliminated and the need for sealing from the base plenumhousing to the cook top member is eliminated. Note, however, that acentrifugal type blower assembly may also be used.

It should be noted that the downdraft ventilator may consist of multiplecavities or compartments in the same appliance or multiple fans/blowersand that the invention may be built into/on a mobile island or cart foruse with grilling/cooking equipment. A mobile unit is preferable so onedoes not need to have it installed into/on a cabinet or structural orsupporting frame and thus there is now space below for use by the user.

Preferably, the construction of the present invention includes a smoothglass, ceramic, metal, etc. cook top with a ventilation system thatprovides air flow for cooling the heating elements, electronics, andcook top. Because of the invention's constructions, methods, anddesigns, one may have nearly limitless designs, features, appearances,elevations, styles, operations, sensing, and performances for both fixedand elevating downdrafts. Further, with the ability to properlyseal/isolate the ventilator, one can have great flexibility inventilator shapes. Moreover, there are a number of fans/blowers used.Such fans/blowers come in many shapes and sizes and may be formed andbent into nearly any shape. These fans/blowers may be located along/onthe cook top's housing or any other surface. Using such a fan/blowerimproves air removal throughout the inside cavity. The use of two ormore fans/blowers can improve on the air removal in the inner cavity andexhausting. See, e.g., FIG. 4. The use of a variety of electronics andcontrols for the blower may also greatly improve on the removal ofcontaminated air. Greater control means less flow loss and fan noise andsmaller overall blower size. Preferably, the assembly of a fan/blowerassembly is comprised of a housing, fan, and motor assembly withbearings to support the fan and motor on the housing.

Blower/motor specifications can significantly influence the performanceand reliability of cooking units. First, placing the blower assembly asclose to the items on a cook top location as possible increases theeffectiveness of drawing contaminated air in and out of the vent system.Second, reducing the number of bends the air has to flow through andaround helps reduce air flow losses. Also, a cross-flow blower does notneed the air stream to change directions, as does a centrifugal typefan/blower. Further, using a cross-flow blower increases ineffectiveness, and thus permits the size of the blower/motor to bereduced. Thus, the noise level is reduced. Long-wheeled cross-flowblowers and tangential blowers provide other advantages including wideuniform air flow over the width of the unit without gaps, uniform airdelivery for high capacity geometry that results in a significantlyquieter blower/fan and a smaller profile for the same length of exteriorhousing. Good speed control of such blowers may be achieved by usingelectronics like resistors, regulating transformers, and voltageregulators. Other advantages include: the ability to design for overloadprotection, no warming of the air as the motor is situated outside theair flow, longer bearing life, and higher efficiency. The energy savingfrom not having to turn on a large blower motor provides added benefitsto the user in the way of cost saving. Another added benefit is a unitwith a lower profile so that there is more useable room under arange/cook top or in a cabinet. Finally, the fan may be used for notonly ducting heated air and effluent but also moisture.

The present invention preferably also includes a control board andrelated circuitry to control power/control to the motor, control to thefan(s)/blower(s), control to an electronic controller, glass touch pad,or mechanical controls. Controls can be built with power control tosensors. AC or DC power supplies the electronic current to the board andother components. As mentioned, the control board can be located on/inthe cook top or remotely. It can also be divided into more than oneboard and located at different locations. The electronic board also canuse flex technology, which permits the board to be or bend into anyshape. There are a number of types of controls that may be connected tothe board. For example, one control may have a real or simulatedmechanical look with electronics below and a knob for turning on thetop. Also, a rotary encoder for high precision sensing and control orfor position detection may be present for control at different heatinglevels.

The present invention may further include a passage in the cook tophousing that provides for a filter. While typically found in the openingcalled the “plenum”, there are a number of ways to attach filtersincluding attaching the filter into a recess in order to lock the filterin place, snapping into or dropping into place, or using a filter tray.

A sensor may be used with the filter for the detection of air flow. Sucha sensor improves on the efficiency and required servicing of thefilter. A flow sensor in, on, or behind the filter area andcommunication with the electronic control board preferably detects themovement or reduced movement of air passing by the sensor. This airmovement may have set limits as to when the filter needs changing. Theselimits can be adjusted for the type of filter used, which may be metalmesh, louver, carbon, or a combination of these types. A different wayis to have the electronic control board set the change out limitsautomatically based on percentage of flow blockage.

Other sensors for air flow may include the simplest and lowest costtypes such as a strain gage on a reed, in which the air moving acrossthe reed bends the reed causing the strain gage to send a signal to anelectronic control board system. In such a system, as the air isreduced, the signal changes and the electronic control board signals theuser to change the filter. Signaling the user may be by sound or bylights or other methods such as “system not operating” or a combinationof signals. Another low cost method is by magnetics. This would be verysimilar to the one above, but would be based on detecting a magneticgain or loss. Another sensor type is a differential pressure sensor,which has one open end on the outside of the filter and one end on theother side behind the filter. The difference between the sensor openingscan be signaled to the electronic control board, which then can watchfor the changes either up or down. Then when a set point is reached, theboard signals the user for change. A microbridge mass air flow sensor isanother sensor. This sensor operates on the theory of heat transfer. Theother types of possible sensors are: solid state Hall effect sensors,piezoresistive sensors, calibrated pressure sensors, transducers, bondedelement transducers, transmitters, and ultrasonic, Doppler, IR, andfiber optic sensors.

Additional sensors may be used with the electronic board to optimizesystem operation. These include: current sensors to monitor AC or DCcurrent, adjustable linear, null balance, digital, and linear currentsensors, and magnetoresistive, closed loop current and digital currentsensors, as well as a variety of others.

With the present invention, it is also desirable to better regulate theelectrical current to the cross-flow/tangential fan(s)/blower(s) suchthat the power output can be increased or reduced with improvedaccuracy, and similarly automatically increasing or decreasing the speedoutput from the cross-flow/tangntial fan(s)/blower(s) with greateraccuracy. Determining the needed air flow loading for the inner membercavity and only supply that amount of power, may be done withelectronics. This method may provide an “energy star” rating andimproved energy use.

Another aspect of the present invention is to have a nearly infinitelyselectable speed fan adjustment range. This can be done, for example, byhaving the user touch down on a glass, resistance keypad until the speedrequired is reached. Once the required speed is reached, the electroniccontrol board may completely cut off current/power to theblower(s)/fan(s) slowing or stopping the user's speed adjustments. Thekeypad may have one or two keypad locations for operating up or down thespeed by the user. Using two or more locations for each independentoperation provides the user better control. The use of a display to showuser the speed level may assist in finding proper speeds, which then canbe programmed into the electronic control board for repeated operationslater.

The present invention may also include the ability to supply a freshstream of air up the sides or back of the downdraft ventilator, thusproviding a supply of burnable air for a gas cook top, which has been aproblem with present units due to the blocking by the ventilator. Theair is preferably ducted out the bottom or along the sides or back of adowndraft ventilator tapping of the vented air, and returns the air atthe bottom of the grate to the cooking area.

These, and other aspects and objects of the present invention will bebetter appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction withthe following description and the accompanying drawings. It should beunderstood, however, that the following description, while indicatingpreferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way ofillustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications maybe made within the scope of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.Note the drawings may not be shown, components of the inventive systemare drawn to scale.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting thepresent invention, and of the construction and operation of typicalmechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readilyapparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting,embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a partof this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate thesame elements in the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the cooking system or applianceof the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cutaway front view of the appliance of FIG. 1 alongthe line 2-2;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cutaway front view of another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cutaway front view of yet another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of yet another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cutaway front view of still another embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 7A-B illustrate enlarged perspective views of various embodimentsof a filter assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of controls of yet another embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate a view of vents of another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an enlarged broken away side view of ventilator andblower housing assemblies of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a blower wheel assembly of oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a schematic showing air flow through the assembly of FIG. 11;and

FIG. 14 is a wiring schematic for electronics of the present invention.

In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention that areillustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted tofor the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the inventionbe limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understoodthat each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operatein a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, thewords “connected,” “attached,” “coupled,” and “mounted” and variationsthereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirectconnections, attachments, couplings, and mountings. In addition, theterms “connected,” “coupled,” etc. and variations thereof are notrestricted to physical or mechanical connections, couplings, etc. as allsuch types of connections should be recognized as being equivalent bythose skilled in the art.

Further, before any embodiments of the invention are explained indetail, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in variousways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyused herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regardedas limiting. For example, the use of “including,” “comprising,” “atleast one of,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention and the various features and advantageous detailsthereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limitingembodiments described in detail in the following description.

1. System Overview

The appliance of the present invention preferably includes a cook topwith at least one heating element or burner on a cooking surface, a cooktop vent operably connected to the cook top for removing at least one ofair and effluent from the cook top to a lower cavity, and a blowerassembly in communication with the vent. The appliance may be an outdoorunit, an indoor unit, a mobile unit, an island unit, a fixed locationunit, a drop- or slide-in cook top, and/or a grill. In such units, thecooking surface is preferably glass or any of a variety of materials.

The vent or vent assembly preferably comprises a vent cover for coveringa vent hole. In one embodiment, the vent preferably includes anelevating downdraft. The vent or ventilator is preferably operablyconnected to the cooking surface for drawing air and effluents therefromand has an inner cavity and a plenum. The plenum preferably has wallssurrounding a chamber. In other embodiments, the ventilator folds,slides, or retracts. The vent may include an actuator-driven ventingsystem having at least one of: a motorized, electromagnetic, solenoid,and powered venting control. Such electronic exhausting controls arepreferably in communication with the vent. These controls may be usedto, for example, close a flap or door to the vent when not in use. Inone embodiment, these controls are integrated with those of the burnerand the blower. The downdraft or vent has a shape that may be rounded,squared, oval, triangular, and rectangular.

The blower assembly preferably includes at least one of the following: asystem that manages air and effluent from the cook top and cooling airfrom the heating element, a regulator for electrical current to a blowermotor such that the power output can be changed as needed, a tangentialfan to circulate air downward, a cross-flow fan, a centrifugal fan, afan that can be remotely located in attached duct work, a fixed speedfan, a variable speed fan to control air movement, a squirrel cage wheelfan, a fan with adjustable speeds that may be preset, a fan used as apower vent for removing air, a fan for management of moisture build upand controlled by a humidity sensor, a re-circulating system, amechanism for sucking air from the appliance top, a fan for managementof heat buildup and controlled by a heat sensor, a large chamber plenumassembly, and a fan to move air through a heat exchanger. The blower hasan AC or DC motor. The fan may include blades of straight or skeweddesign and a long length axial wheel. Preferably, the appliance's bloweroperation is synchronized with the operations of the heating element andits cooling system.

As mentioned, a controller is preferably present to control theappliance, e.g., operations such as ventilator movement, elementheating, etc. In one embodiment, the controller is preferably anelectronic controller to control blower speed. Such an electroniccontroller includes at least one of: a touch device, a keypad, a slide,and a knob. The keypad controller may be located on the cook top,located remotely, split into parts between the top and another location,or matched to a size, appearance, and function of another neighboringappliance and the cook top. The controller includes an electroniccontrol panel having at least one of a piezo, tactile, membrane,inductive, capacitance, and resistance device. The panel is constructedfrom at least one of: glass, metal, plastic, wood, and compositesubstrates. The controller is at least one of: a piezo, capacitance, andresistance type touch control keypad for use with any size appliance, amembrane switch, a tactile, resistance, inductive, capacitance controlwith decorative overlays, labels, or trim, and a complete control panelassembly. The controller is preferably installed in a plane relative tothe cooking surface and may be flush, raised, recessed, and remotelylocated. The controller may have an integrated control circuit board.The board may be in at least one of the following locations: on the cooktop, remotely, and split into several parts between the cook top andother locations and attached thereto. The circuit board may alsoinclude: a microcontroller, microprocessor control, an IC, a driver, aPC board, a processor, and a power controller in communication with theelectronic controller.

In another embodiment, the controller is a remote control for wirelesscontrol of an operation. A device may be provided for making such acontroller at least one of: automatic with no user interface,semi-automatic with a limited user interface, and completely manual withthe user setting, operating, and adjusting the system or parts thereof.As such, the controller may also include a programmable controller tomonitor at least one of: temperature, operations, speed, time, blowerefficiency, lighting, the need for filter change, and air movement.

In another embodiment, a sound activated control is used to control atleast one operation of the appliance. A computer system including a fullmemory and processor may also be used for connecting the appliance to awhole house system. A display interface may also be available with thecontroller to help the operator with the functions, temperatures,speeds, need for a filter change, and time. The controller may have agraphic specific to the design and function of at least one of theblower assembly, lighting, and the ventilator.

One or more sensors for the cook top may also be used to sense variousenvironmental conditions. In one embodiment, a sensor scans the cook topfor an item placed thereon. It may then provide feedback to theappliance to operate a fan in the blower assembly. Sensors for theappliance may be also used to detect at least one of: filter buildup,back pressure, air flow, gas, smoke, heat, temperature, filter changerequirements, speed, power, resistance, voltage, programmed operations,and set points.

The appliance may also be equipped with at least one of: an outputdisplay, a rotating display, an LED display, an LCD display, a slidingpanel, a retractable display, a removable display, a fixed display, anilluminated display that can be adjusted in color and intensity, aplasma display, a dot matrix display, a vacuum fluorescent display, anda pop up display. The display is preferably mounted on the cookingsurface or backing for easy viewing. The display device preferablydisplays to the operator at least one of: operations, temperature,functions, range position, and times.

The appliance preferably further comprises movable lighting, forexample, on the backing, cook top, or the ventilator for illuminating awork surface. The lighting can be any device to illuminate the cook topincluding a device that is at least one of: an adjustable light leveldevice, adjustable light position, hidden lights, exposed lights, aseries of lights, a mini fluorescent tube, mini neon tube, an LED, ropelights under a decorative flange trim of the ventilator, recessedlighting, direct lighting, and indirect lighting.

In one embodiment, the ventilator is adjacent at least two cavities andhas at least two blowers. The second blower preferably has a speedcontrol independent from a first for moving a different volume of airaway from a second heating element.

A filter is preferably attached below the vent with the cavity at anangle and coated with an agent for cleansing air that passestherethrough.

The appliance preferably also has a heat exchanger in fluidcommunication with the blower and vent for at least one of: extractingeffluents, cooling drawn air to a proper temperature, and recycling airback. This heat exchanger includes at least one of: a heat pump, anelectronic cooling device, a refrigeration unit, and a magnetic coolingdevice. The heat exchanger may be used in such a way to turn thedowndraft into a cooling/heating ventilator.

One embodiment of the appliance has a fire suppression system operablyconnected to the cook top for controlling fires and added safety. An IRsystem may be employed in such a system. The IR system may be operablyconnected to the cook top for detecting at least one of temperature,resistance, heat, fire, distance, moisture, and steam. The IR system mayemploy a variety of sensors. Such sensors may have at least one of anelectronic, an electromechanical, and mechanical component. This systemmay also have an electronic touch controller in communication with thecircuit board.

The appliance may also include other specialized devices, such as adevice for detecting and controlling of speed for the blower, an airflow sensor for detecting the flow of air past a filter, a sensor thatmeasures the air flow and provides a signal to user for filterreplacement due to restricted air flow, a beam or other detector sensorto scan the surface of a work area for an item placed on the work areaand to provide feedback or control with automatic operation of theventilator, a means for detecting gas flow, an ultrasonic sensor, athermo detection device for the control of the downdraft, a digital C02sensor, an NDIR technology sensor, and a sensor having the ability todetect back pressure that triggers an increase in fan speed to maintainthe proper volume of extraction.

2. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Various embodiments of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1-14which are described in additional detail below.

FIG. 1 shows one preferred embodiment of an appliance 15 of the presentinvention.

Now referring specifically to FIG. 1, the appliance 15 is preferably acooking system that includes a cook top 20 with one or more heatingelements 25 A-D on the cooking surface 28. In one preferred embodiment,a backing 29 is provided for splash protection. The appliance 15 andcooking surface 28 are preferably comprised of a metal, glass, stone,plastic or other materials.

A vent system or ventilator 30 is operably connected to the cook top 20of appliance 15 for removing effluent and hot air from the cookingsurface 28. The ventilator or vent system may consist of a vent cover31, which covers a vent hole 32. Below the vent cover 31 is a lowercavity (not shown) which preferably attaches to a plenum (not shown).The components of the ventilator are preferably made from metal,although glass, stone, heat resistant plastic or other materials maybeused. Because of the flexibility of the design and the low profile ofthe blower assembly, the outer shape of the ventilator can be styled tomeet nearly any requirements.

Also shown in FIG.1 are various controls 58 on the cook stop 20, whichmay include slides 50 and knobs 52 to control, e.g., heat to heatingelements 25 a-25 d and also in another embodiment the up or downmovement of the ventilator 30. On the backing 29, a scanner 82 may bemounted. Also mounted on the backing may be lighting 45, whichpreferably includes a light control 96. In one preferred embodiment, asensor 90 is also provided. A drawer 26 may be present below the cooktop 20. The drawer 26 may allow access to storage or a warmer drawer 27.

FIG. 2 shows a cutaway of the embodiment of FIG. 1 along the lines 2-2.In FIG. 2, the lower cavity 34 and the plenum 36 are shown. Inside thecavity 34 and preferably under the cook top 20, is preferably a blowerassembly 40 which may include a fan or blower 44. The blower mayalternatively be located in a plenum chamber. The fan 44 may have fanblades 78 protruding from a center portion. Above the fan 44 and belowthe vent cover 31, is preferably mounted a filter 74. The filter may bemounted at an angle to allow for ease of runoff of any grease or otherunwanted materials. In one preferred embodiment, the fan 44 is across-flow blower 114. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2,ductwork 100 connects the lower cavity 34 with an outside vent. Thestorage or other space 27 is below the blower assembly 40. A sensor ordetector 93 b is also preferably present for detecting fan air flow drawefficiency.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment to the current invention. In thisembodiment, the vent cover 31 includes a grate which has a series ofvent holes 32. A system for managing air flow 38 is also provided. Inthis embodiment, the system for managing air flow 38 includes seals 38 aand 38 b. Of course, many other components are possible. A filterassembly 73 is also present. Preferably, a means for detecting filterbuildup 84 is included with the filter assembly 73. Within the plenumand the lower cavity, is a control board 98, which includes amicro-controller 70, a processor 102, and preferably a programmablecontrol 106. On one side of the plenum is mounted a blower assembly 40.The blower assembly includes a fan 44, which in this embodiment is acentrifugal flow fan 95. A regulator 48 for controlling the electriccurrent to the blower assembly 40 may be connected to a heat sensor 93c. When the heat sensor 93 c detects an increase of heat, the sensor maysignal the regulator to shut off electric current to the blowerassembly. Here, the fan 44 is preferably driven by a variable speed ACmotor 79. Centrifugal fans are sometimes referred to as wheel fans 80.

In FIG. 3, air, shown by arrows A, enters through holes 32 in the grate31 and travels downwardly into the cavity in the cooking systemappliance 15. The air (arrows A) then travels past the filter assembly73 and is drawn toward the fan assembly 40. The air enters into the fanassembly (arrows AI) and then is exhausted from the appliance preferablyout an exhaust vent (see, e.g., arrows AE). Of course, the air enteringthe vent grate may be laden with cooking gases, odors, effluents,grease, oils, etc., but the air exiting (arrows AE) is preferablycleaned air.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the appliance 15 having a cook top 20with at least two assemblies 108 a and 108 b to provide and enhancecooling to the heating elements 25 and the cooking surface 28. Theseassemblies are preferably provided with a mechanism for sucking air. Inthis preferred embodiment, the mechanism for sucking air preferablyincludes a first blower assembly 180 a and a second blower assembly 180b. The blower assemblies include a first fan 182 a and a second fan 182b. The fans are preferably mounted in cavities 184 a and 184 b.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5. There,the appliance 15 has a cook top 20 that has two cooking elements 25 andtwo regular electric heating elements 24. The heating elements may beelectric, gas, or inductive elements or a combination thereof. Asheating elements are well known in the art, these will not be describedin further detail.

The center of the cooking surface 28 preferably has an elevatingdowndraft ventilator 97. The ventilator 97 includes a plenum 36 and avent cover 31, which covers a vent hole 32 a. This elevating ventilator97 can move up and down relative to the surface 28 to provide maximumventilation. Also included on the cooking surface 28 are means foradjusting the ventilator's fan speed. Preferably such a means includes akeypad 110 having an output display 130. Also included on the cookingsurface may be a membrane switch 54 which, in this embodiment,preferably controls the up and down movement of the telescopicventilator 97. Integral with the heating element 25, may be a heatsensor 93 d to detect and control heat to the unit. In this embodiment,a remote control unit 62 may be included for remotely controlling theappliance 15. The remote control unit 62 may be integrated into computersystem 86 to add further appliance integration and control. Such a unitmay be integrated into a whole house system (not shown) which controlsvarious appliances and household operations.

FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment of the current invention. Thisembodiment includes a filter assembly 173 which is contained in theinner cavity 172 of the appliance 115 below the cook top 121. Below thefilter assembly 173 and filter, is preferably a heat exchanger 120 whichprovides for cooling of the effluent and heated air as it passes throughthe air filter and down into the inner cavity toward the blower assembly140. In this embodiment, the blower assembly preferably includes across-flow blower 214 with a wheel fan.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a filter assembly 73. This assembly 73 may be usedwith an embodiment of the present invention like that shown in FIG. 6.The filter assembly includes a filter tray 71 which fits into a trayslot 72. The filter tray includes a filter 74 and an air flow sensor 75.The filter tray 71 has a filter tray handle 77, which may be removedwhen the filter 74 is ready to be discarded. The filter assemblypreferably forms a filter tray drawer 78. Such a drawer can slide in andout of the inner cavity 172 of the appliance 115 as best illustrated byFIG. 6.

The filter or catch 74 is preferably used for removal of effluents. Thefilter 74 may use carbon for removing odors, particulates, greases andoils, and moisture that condensates on the median. Additional filtersmay also be included. A metal mesh filter also may be used as well as alouver type filter. A combination of these filters with a charcoalelement may also be used in this application. In a preferred embodiment,the filters are angled to drain fluids off and collect them into agrease trap. A grease trap or trough is also preferably provided. Thesetroughs are removable for ease of cleaning. The filter may be set atangle in the drawer also.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, a broken-away section of a cook top 20 is shown. In thisembodiment, on the cooking surface 28 is preferably mounted a series ofcontrols. These controls include touch devices 56 which are part ofpreferably a keypad 110. The keypad 110 may be integrated into a controlpanel assembly 64 which may include another touch control panel 68. Adisplay device 91 may also be present. The display device 91 acts as adisplay interface 112 to interface with the user. Also on the cookingsurface may be other controls such as selection switches 92 a to controlthe fan speed, and 92 b to control the height of the elevatingventilator. Graphics such as a fan 170 a and a elevating ventilator 170b are used to indicate the type of controls. As can be seen at FIG. 8,the controls can act as on/off switches, high/low switches, up/downswitches, and high/medium/low switches. On the panel may also be anindicator light to indicate that the surface is hot. Such an indicatorlight may be an LED display 140.

The sheet metal/material construction of the appliance's back housing 29may also accommodate a lighting system 45 as mentioned above. Thisdesign allows any type lamp holder to be installed in a convenient way.For example, in one embodiment, by twisting a male connector to thefemale connection, a fixture is locked in place. The female connectioncan be designed into the housing providing a fixed point.

Alternatively, lighting may come from ventilator and provide lighting atdifferent angles. Lighting provided may also be on a bendable, moveablearm, e.g., a snake light system.

In one preferred embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 1, housed withinthe appliance's frame of metal/plastic or other material is an openingto provide the viewing of an electronic display 130. The electronicdisplay 130 preferably rotates and may also include the control boardelectronics. The controller is preferably an electronic board attachedby bolts and nuts, but could be held in place by other methods likeadhesive, tape, connector, etc. The wiring for the control panelpreferably is shielded from being seen and being contaminated by dirtthat may coat the wires.

As mentioned above and shown in FIG. 1, the appliance 15 of the presentinvention preferably has at least, e.g., one sensor 90. The sensor mayform part of a sensor system that includes one or more of the following:a pot detector system, an IR detector system for heat, smoke, fireand/or distance, humidity, a gas (e.g., hydrocarbons, CO, CO2) detector,a pressure sensor, moisture or steam sensor, temperature or thermalsensing technology such as RTDs (resistance temperature detectors),integrated circuit sensors (IC), thermistors, IR thermometers,bimetallic, and thermocouples. Other sensors may include: any electronicAC or DC sensor used for detecting movement, UV reflectance, resistance,flow, item detection, noise, power or other sensor for the detection andcontrol of the ventilator blower with electronics. Also, a sensor may beused for detection and control of speed for both the fan/blower and thedrive mechanism. Sensors for the detection of the temperature arepreferably located on the cooking surface 28, back housing 29,ventilator 30 or blower assembly 40. Other sensors are directed for thesensing of the items placed on the cook top or the range. The sensorsare preferably connected to control board 98 (see FIG. 3) via wires or awireless connection. Finally, an air flow sensor may be provided todetect the flow of air past the filter(s) (See, e.g., FIGS. 7A-B, sensor75). This feature preferably measures the air flow and indicates to userthe need for filter replacement or cleaning due to restricted air flow.

Of course, any IR/thermometer that can measure objects that move,rotate, or vibrate (e.g., web process or any moving process) may be usedin addition to the ones mentioned above. Such IR sensors are useful asthey do not damage or contaminate the surface of the object of interestand they measure the temperature of the actual product being used on acook top or range and not some of the other parts of the surfaces.Further, the thermal conductivity of the object being measured such asglass, metal, wood, or even very thin objects does not present aproblem, as with other sensors. Response time of these sensors is in themillisecond range, which gives the user more information per timeperiod. Any other electronic IR sensor used for detecting temperature,resistance, heat/fire, distance, moisture/steam, or power for detectionand control of the ventilator blower with electronics may also be used.

Two types of ventilators may be used with the present invention, ductedand non-ducted. In a ducted type ventilator, there is a duct that isused for venting air to the outside. See, e.g., FIG. 2. This duct can beattached at the top, back, or directed downward to the floor in a room,or have a chimney cover the duct at the top.

In a non-ducted type ventilator, there is no duct that is used forventing air to the outside. See, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 6. This non-ductedunit can be vented at the top, side, back, front, and/or directeddownward to the floor in a room.

As mentioned, a cross-flow fan/blower assembly preferably provides thedrawing force needed to pull contaminated air into the ventilator. Asbest shown in FIGS. 11-12, the assembly is preferably composed of ahousing mounted to the appliance. Attached to the housing is the drivemotor. A wheel assembly contains the bearings, hub, and a wheel ofeither the skewed or straight bladed type. A fastener preferablyconnects the wheel assembly to the motor.

Multiple burner specific blowers and ventilators may be used to dividethe cooking surface 28 into zones that provide air flow control withinthe zone. See, e.g., FIG. 4. An air curtain may be created at theperimeter to preferably enclose these zones. Blower motor speed in thezone may be reduced with the improved efficiency and thus the noiselevel may be decreased. This greatly increases the overall efficiency ofventing. Moreover, the energy saved from not having to turn on and runanother large blower motor provides added benefits to the user in theway of cost saving. An added benefit is a lower ventilator profile dueto the more efficient, smaller motor(s)/blower(s) assembly. This gives aperson more room for viewing and working near a ventilator, or room fora larger cabinet below the ventilator to provide more user space. Thefan/blower may also be used for ducting heated air or moisture out.

Another aspect of this design is the ability for the fan to becontrolled by a humidity sensor, CO, or CO2 sensor, and/or hydrocarbondetectors. (See, e.g., FIG. 1, sensor 90). Greater versatility may behad with the use of electronics and the different types exhaustelements. These innovations control the power load for the exhaust ventand only supply that amount of power needed to effectively operate theventilator. Electronics or electromechanical controls may also preventthe spread of fire through regulating electricity flow, blower speed,and heat.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, unit 15 may have a panel 64 with, forexample, a display 191 that shows the user, e.g., fan speed levels. Thiscan be used to assist in finding proper speeds and heights, which thencan be programmed into an electronic control board for repeatedoperations later. Further, the panel 64 has the ability to show to theoperator, e.g., types of operations, functions, filter life/change, andtimes using electronics and to accurately control these operations toremove contaminated air. Such a panel 64 may also be used to controlmovement and operation of the ventilator 30. Construction of theelectronics includes: high heat construction design; specializedadhesive construction; loop resistant circuitry; ESD/EMI/RFI shielding;and LED, LCD, plasma, dot matrix, vacuum fluorescent display(s). All ofthese can improve the control, display, design, look, and operation ofthe electronic(s). Electronic touch control panel(s) could use a piezotouch panel (keypad) for selection of operations by operator. In someinstances, the controls are sufficiently isolated in other ways toprevent appliance temperatures from damaging the control.

As mentioned, the panel 64 may include an electronic touch controller68, e.g., a keypad that may be made of glass, metal or plastic, withselection of the operating function(s) made by touching the surface ofthe glass, metal, or plastic. For the ventilator, a resistance typetouch control keypad may be used whereby touching plastic, metal, orglass at a location, e.g., on top of the ventilator, causes a change inan electrical signal. The piezo, capacitance, resistance, inductive andtactile membrane switches used maybe fitted with decorative overlays,under lays, labels, trim and completed control panel assemblies. Touchcontrol key pads/panels may be installed flush, raised, or recessed. Itshould be noted that the touch control key pads/panels may be installedin nearly any plane and on any surface. For example, touch controlskeypads and displays may be placed on the front or top of the cookingsurface 28 to provide the operator with instant viewing of theoperations and functions. A remote control 62 may be added by wire or bywireless controls, see, e.g., FIG. 5.

As mentioned, the electronics provided allow for programmable/selectableset points, programmable/selectable set times, andprogrammable/selectable set operations as well as set times for both onand off or changes in functions, set points, speed, or functions. Theability to select multiple functions, operations, and times gives theinventive appliance advantages over non-electronic controlled units.This programmability/selectability provides the advantage of being ableto enter different functions or operations into the electronic controlsand have the system respond. Further, an electronic control permits moreuser freedom.

Another aspect of the present invention is a multi-function display. Forexample, a clock may be on the electronic(s) display when not in use orwhen in use. See, e.g., item 112 in FIG. 8. It may also be changed topermit other programmable information to be displayed, such as, messagesor computer information. This area may also have an LED night lightincluded in the electronics such that the LED would come on when theroom is dark. The use of an LED or a bulb of this type can save energyand space.

Another aspect of this invention is the ability to have “no switch”controls. Here, for example, the cook top backing 29 acts as the switch.For example, a user may touch the trim top surface in the front, top, orsides and this would operate the ventilator by moving it and turning onthe blower. Alternatively, a user may touch the ventilator a number oftimes to move it up or down or to speed up or slow down the fan. Theuser may also touch the ventilator and hold for a longer time to whichthe blower would turn off or on. The user may turn a light on in thesame manner.

The appliance 15 may also be equipped with a sound- or voice-activatedsystem that in one embodiment lets the user speak to the appliance andstate what controls and operations the user wants. Sensor 90 may be todetect the sound needed for such control. This provides the user theability to operate hands free, therefore, allowing the users to dosomething else with their hands. Alternatively, the appliance can behooked up to a PC computer or a whole house computer system foroperation and control.

Another aspect of this invention is an appliance 15 designed with atemperature control or cooling element 120. See, e.g., FIG. 6. Theelement 120 is preferably secured to the inside of cavity 172 orremotely. In this one embodiment, heated air is circulated through theventilator 130 and past the element 120 to provide better heat controlto the non-ducted ventilator both inside the appliance and inside thecooking room. The fan or blower assembly 140 provides air movementinside cavity. This system cools/heats the exhaust air before deliveryof air to the room. Preferably, such a system is included with anon-ducted unit. These cooling systems are sometimes referred to as a“heat pump.” Thus, such a heat pump may be used to make the ventilatornot only a venting unit, but a cooling/heating unit. This feature isimportant, for example, when larger ventilators are designed to recycleair back into the room. With the use of larger cook ranges, a largeamount of heat is generated and returning this heated air to the roomcan be a big issue for the user. Here, the cooling/heating system isused for extracting effluents (like steam) and cooling of the drawn airto a proper temperature for return. The system may also include a deviceto select a precise return air temperature. For example, with theability to cool and treat the exhaust air, this feature provides theuser the ability to select the temperature of the returning treated airto the room, e.g. 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity buildup in the cavitychamber may also be controlled by a power venting or condensationdrainage system. The system may include an electric chill or arefrigerant such as that found in freezers, a circulating system toprovide removal of heat, or an electric cooling heat exchanger.

In accordance with another aspect of this invention, the ventilator maybe controlled by electronics and equipped with an AC or DC electronictemperature sensor, e.g., sensor 93 a, 93 b, 93 c, and 93 d, located onthe ventilator, cook top, or elsewhere such that the temperature of theventilator can be detected accurately. See FIGS. 1-5. Such controlsprovide control and operation response to sense temperature on the rangeor in the ventilator and then turn the exhausting functions on/off andadjust speed according to needs. Any electronic sensor used fordetecting heat/temperature, CO, CO2, hydrocarbons, or power, forexample, thermal detection devices may be used to control the exhaust.In one embodiment, the blower exhaust motors are electronicallyconnected to a temperature-sensing device and is DC powered inaccordance with requirements for the unit. Here the motor/blower is alsoprotected in the event of a fire by an automatic turn off. The user mayalso select settings or preset settings for the electronic control(s) tomaintain the desired exhaust flow within the vent's chamber. The sensingdevice maintains performance in a predetermined desired range ofoperating temperature(s) or set point(s). A sensor may also be mountedon an electronic board or it can be attached by itself to any wall orlocation from which detection of the board's temperature can be made.FIG. 14 shows examples of wiring schematics for electronics of thepresent invention.

RTDs may be used to provide the appliance low cost sensing over othermethods when used with electronics. Even though RTD sensors tend to berelatively slower in response than thermocouples, which are used in manyventilators today, RTDs offer several advantages well know to those ofordinary skill in the art.

For example, one method for a sensor circuit uses a RTD temperaturesensitive element to measure temperature from ambient to elevatedtemperatures. One of ordinary skill in the art is familiar with suchsensor circuits, so the circuit is not shown. The information from thesensor circuit can be also displayed and/or processed for control of themotor, blower, and speeds. All of the above information can be made on achip. This chip can be placed in an ideal area for detection oftemperature. This circuitry preferably provides data/information to thecontrol board for controlling functions of the ventilator.Alternatively, distributed temperature may be used to sense temperatureat every point along an SS sheathed fiber and feature a resolution of0.5 degree C. and a spatial resolution of 1.5 m. The fiber can range upto 2,000 m and can be coiled at specific points of interest. The fibercan be sheathed with a nonconductive polymer for intrinsic applications.This method provides the ability to profile a range/cook top fordetection of temperatures at many points. The strip may be along thecomplete front of a ventilator trim at the edge. Response times are thusreduced and provide the control board the ability to sense the completetop of a target zone rather than just one zone. This also provides themanufacturers the ability to customize the zones placing more points inareas for detection. The use of electronics and sealed components allowtheses systems to be used outdoors also.

Next generation fiber optic distributed temperature sensors (DTS) may beused as part of the present invention to sense temperature at everypoint along an SS sheathed fiber. These feature a resolution of 0.5degree C. and a spatial resolution of 1.5 m. The fiber may range up to2,000 m and can be coiled at specific points of interest. The fiber maybe sheathed with a nonconductive polymer for intrinsic applications.With this system, many locations for detection are provided. Responsetimes are shorter and sensing of the complete top of a target zonerather than the one zone may occur. This also provides the manufacturersthe ability to customize the zones by placing more points in areas forbetter detection.

As mentioned, another aspect of the present invention is to have nearlyinfinite fan speed adjustment levels. This can be done, for example, byhaving the user touch down on a glass resistance keypad until the speedrequired is reached. Once the speed is reached, the electronic controlmay reduce or completely cut off current/power to the blower(s)/fan(s).The keypad may have one or more keypad location(s) for operating theincrease or decrease/on or off of the speed by the user. For example,three locations for independent operations can provide the user withbetter control. A display may show the user the speed level and may beused to assist in finding proper speeds, which then can be programmed into the electronic control circuit for repeated operations later.Alternatively, the sensor 93 c for controlling the fan 44 may beconnected to fan regulator 48 as shown in FIG. 3.

The appliance of this invention is designed for outdoor locations aswell as indoor ones. The appliance design has the ability to weatheroutdoor temperatures and environment. For example, the use ofelectronics for appliance provides better sealing for theseenvironments. Further, remote electronic controls 62 not only provideconvenient remote operations for use outdoors, but also reduce theeffects for some of the environment on the controls. Further,electronics are not subject to the mechanical problems of turning inextreme weather conditions. They are also resistant to otherenvironmental conditions.

As previously mentioned above, the ventilator of the present inventionis very versatile. For example, it may be built into/on a mobile islandor cart; such as for use with grilling/cooking equipment. Alternatively,the ventilator 330 itself may be a separate mobile unit, e.g., a framethat is self-supporting or free-standing. See, e.g., FIG. 10. Such amobile ventilator may be, e.g., mounted on wheels 314 and does not needto be installed into a cabinet or other unit to add structural support.This embodiment 330 preferably has a combined heat exchanger and filter340 that is mounted over the blower 352 and duct 353. A light 379 mayalso be included.

FIG. 5 shows a remote sensing and receiving system which includes asensor and/or a remote receiver 107 along with remote control panel 62at a different location. Here, the sensor preferably includes atransducer to sense a physical parameter on the cook top of a range. Thetransducer will generate an electrical signal representative of thephysical parameter and apply the data to a processor. In response, theprocessor drives a digital display, which produces visual indications ofthese parameters. The processor provides communication between thesensor(s) and the remote receiver, which drives some operations by theventilator. For example, the receiving unit 62 controls the ventilatorfrom signals for turning on, to adjusting the speed of the blowers. Thesensor(s) and receiver(s) may both have a transmitter and receiver toenable communication through signals. This would be helpful whenchanging set points or detection points.

In one embodiment, the remote sensing and receiving system or detectingand display system is configured as a remote keypad. For example, thekeypad apparatus preferably includes a display and a remote transducerunit having a temperature sensor unit or other transducer exposed to thecook top/range.

As discussed, physical parameters measured by remote sensing andreceiving system are not limited to temperature. For example, asensor/transducer may be used in extinguisher devices in which thequality of the air from a range is measured for CO, CO2 or other gassesfor fire fighting. Note: Transducer Technology, Inc offers a T seriescarbon monoxide sensor using nano—particulate technology for sensing oran amperometric electrochemical sensor. In this embodiment, if a firedevelops, the remote sensor and remote control devices can activate afire extinguisher. Here, a microprocessor preferably controls thevarious circuits associated with this system. Various other devices maybe coupled to such a microprocessor to control other functions withinthe appliance.

In another embodiment, a fire protection system may be included. See,e.g. FIG. 5, system 105. The fire protection system 105 preferably has awarning device and a built-in fire extinguisher. The fire detectionsystem preferably also turns off the blower and other electronics andcloses at least one vent through a control board. This feature preventsthe spread of fire in and around the appliance. Further, criticaltemperature levels may be set by the factory so that when the sensorsdetect these present levels, the ventilator activates the fireprotection system.

Another feature of the present invention is preferably the use of anoutput device or display 130 located, for example, on a sliding panel, arotating panel, or popup panel attached to the backing 29 of theappliance 15. See FIG. 1. In the rotating display shown, the displaypanel or screen is an LCD display 150. Input buttons 143 a, 143 b mayalso be present. This ability to conceal the display 130 protects itfrom damage and provides a smooth looking surface. In one embodiment,this is accomplished by placing an electronic display on a rotatingdrum, a rotating L-shaped plate, or on a triangle-shaped part. Once theoperations are complete, the user or the appliance 15 can rotate thedisplay 130. In one embodiment, the user can touch the front of thedisplay 130 to activate movement. Once the electronics sense thepressure on the display 130, the rotation begins until it reaches thestop point. In this case, the stop point would be when the unit providesthe smooth surface. The other way the display 130 may move to a closedposition is if the display 130 and the ventilator have been off for atime. Once that time has been reached, the display 130 returns back tothe closed position. A motor or some other means of rotating the display130 may be used to provide movement. Switches, stepper motors, ormagnetism can be used for the location of stop points.

In another embodiment, one or more displays may be used to interfacewith the operator the functions, temperatures, speeds, need for a filterchange, and time. For example, the controller may have a graphicspecific to the design and function of at least one of the blowerassembly (e.g., a small fan picture), lighting, and the ventilator(e.g., ventilator graphic) as shown in FIG. 8. Again, such controls arepreferably mounted on at least one of: a top, face, side, or othersurface of the ventilator or cooking surface for easy viewing and use.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the cooking system 205 includesa counter top 210, cooking surface 212, and a ventilator 220. Theventilator 220 is a telescoping system located at the rear of thecooking surface 212. A vent 223 is provided preferably in front of theventilator 220.

Burners 218 are located on the cooking surface 212. Controls 246,preferably for the cooking surface, are located toward the front of thecooking surface 212. Controls 278 for the ventilator 220 are preferablylocated on the top 226 of the ventilator. The ventilator top 226 fitsinto an opening 290 when the ventilator is closed and is flush with thesurrounding molding.

As mentioned, the ventilator preferably includes a tangential orcross-flow fan/blower that uses an AC or DC drive motor(s). See, e.g.,FIGS. 11-13. The cross-flow blower(s) may use tangential wheels andskewed fan blades, straight blades or other blade designs for the movingof air. Alternatively, a long length axial or centrifugal fan/blowerassembly wheel may be used. The fan may be of a fixed or a variablespeed with nearly infinite speed setting. As mentioned, the blower ispreferably located as close to each of the burners as possible. With twoor more blowers, different size blowers may be used with different cubicfeet per minute ratings (CFM). This provides greater effluent removalwhere needed.

If large burner elements are located at the front of a range, theinvention provides the ability to use a large cross blower (CFM) nearthose burners to remove the contaminated air. Each fan can be used as apower exhaust vent for removing air, or mixing fresh air with returnair, and /or management of moisture/heat buildup. Fan operations may becontrolled by a sensor, detector, or switch. Such individualizedfeatures allow the ventilator to detect the air flow draw needs for eachburner and also the amount of draw needed. As the blower draws airdownward, it eliminates hot spots or stratified layers of varyingtemperatures on a range's cook top. Alternatively, the fan/blower(s) maybe remotely located from the ventilator or built on/in with ductworkwhile still providing individual air removal near a burner. These ductscan be closed off to each location and opened when selected by a user orsystem.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 11, a preferred embodiment of ablower fan assembly 440 and fan or impeller 444 is shown. In general,with a crossflow/tangential fan or blower, the air is drawn in over theentire length of the fan impeller. Inside the impeller the airflow isdiverted and accelerated by the vortex created by the rotation of theimpeller. The air stream then exits over the entire length of theimpeller on the discharge side. At the narrowest point between theimpeller and the vortex creator, the intake and discharge side of thefan is separated and, together with the fan rear guide wall directs theairflow crossflow/tangential (impellers, e.g.) wheels are usually moreefficient when a focused flow of air is required to cool or heat animmediate space such as the cook top. When used in this manner, the airdoes not have to travel long distances, but instead is used in theimmediate surroundings such as in stoves or on a cook top.

One of the reasons that crossflow/ tangential wheels are quieter incomparison to a centrifugal-style blower is that for products with thesame CFM rating, the air speed of the tangential wheel is much slowersince the outlet area is much larger than that of a centrifugal blower.This can be seen as an advantageous feature, because the large area ofdischarge of the tangential blower does not require additionaldiffusion. Diffusion areas create losses and decrease efficiency.Reduced noise is a highly sought after feature for kitchens due to theuser using the kitchen as a central meeting point in a home. Crossflowblowers may be retrofitted to existing systems after older, lessefficient blower assemblies have been removed.

Moreover, when compared to double inlet wheels used in a double blower,tangential impellers will generally provide an equal or slightlyincreased CFM with the same motor. The airflow is tangentially acrossthe inlet area and tangentially out across the discharge area. The mostefficient configuration is when this 90-degree change in direction canbe utilized in the design of a product. The flow principle allows theair intake of the blower to take place over the whole length of theouter impeller periphery. The air then flows into the impeller interiorwhere it is reversed and accelerated by the vortex, which is caused bythe impeller rotation (acceleration due to the turning of the blades).Finally the air is distributed at the discharge side or bottom and anywhere in between over the whole impeller length. In this way, the airflows through the impeller first from outside to inside and then frominside to the outside. The impeller is typically a cylindrical cage offorward curved impeller blades with two or more supporting discs, i.e.,the so-called “wheel”. Here the vortex separates suction side anddischarge side at the narrowest line between impeller and vortex andcauses the flow pattern together with the scroll.

Ideally, if filters or coils are involved, tangential blowers are bestused in a pull-through rather than a push-through manner. The inlet airspeed is over a larger surface and, therefore, is lower than thedischarge airspeed. This usually contributes to lowering the static inthe system as well. Crossflow/tangential wheels do best in low-staticsituations, so it would be a good idea to try to minimize the static ina system to best utilize the power of a blower. This can be achieved byminimizing the changes in direction of airflow within a cook top downdraft system. Using the 90-degree change within the tangential occurs bypositioning the blower where the airflow is required to make a 90-degreeturn. A 180-degree flow of air can be designed such that the air isdrawn in to the cross-flow tangential wheel and exits by going straightthrough. Funneling of the discharged air should be avoided. This is bestdone by reducing the discharge closest to the wheel rather than toslowly reduce the discharge area. For example, having the opening forexhausting at less than 0.45 times the diameter causes problems andhaving restricted or tapered flowing out the end results in backpressure and reduced blower efficiency.

Thus, housing design is critical in blower performance. As best shown inFIG. 13, the preferred housing design includes: For optimum CFM,A=0.60ø, B=0.85ø, C=0.60ø, E=F=0.07ø, G=15 deg, and HIJ should be astraight line. If a smaller outlet is necessary, it is better to reduceA first to a minimum of 0.45ø, then A and B together rather thantapering the outlet. Air will discharge following the 15 degree upward.If this is not desirable, for maximum discharge, the entire housing mustbe rotated-G should not be reduced. Reducing A will affect CFM, but notair speed. For noise control, dimensions E and F are critical, with Fbeing the most critical. Reducing both E and F will increase CFM andnoise level. When using grills at discharge, the CFM will be directlyreduced by the percent of area covered if the blower maintains the samewheel speed. For the cook top down draft application when the motor runsbelow its maximum speed: when static of any kind is applied to thesystem at the discharge, the wheel will speed up to try and maintain thesame CFM up to the maximum speed of the motor. This is a useful designfeature that is used in this application where static might build withtime (as contamination in a filter). If the initial motor is designed torun below its maximum speed, this leaves room for the motor to speed upand maintain its performance.

The housing 450 used for the crossflow/tangential impeller wheel 444 hasgalvanized steel for end plates 452 and two parts to produce vortexbaffle 470 and scroll. Alternatively, aluminum could be used for lessweight as could stainless steel or steel painted. The impeller used inthe down draft appliance is aluminum for lightweight and thus a lowerhorsepower motor would be required to drive the blower. But galvanizedsteel, stainless steel or steel painted can be used but require a largermotor 453 to drive these designs due to the added weight. These heavyweight materials also provide other benefits such as stronger blades,which can run at higher speeds, chemical resistance, and betteraesthetics. The blower wheel blades 460 are preferably made oflightweight and strong materials also. The wheel 444 is mounted in thehousing 450 on shafts 465 a, b, which are mounted on bearings 469 on oneend and a motor 453 on the other.

The following formulae represent the preferred optimum operationaldesign criteria of the blower wheel.

For specified wheel dimensions, a change in speed will optimize thesystem:$N_{new} = {N_{old} \times \left( \frac{{CFM}_{new}}{{CFM}_{old}} \right)}$Resulting in:${HP}_{new} = {{HP}_{old} \times \left( \frac{N_{new}}{N_{old}} \right)^{3}}$${SP}_{new} = {{SP}_{old} \times \left( \frac{N_{new}}{N_{old}} \right)^{2}}$

If the static pressure is acceptable, wheel length can be optimized(while other conditions remain constant):$L_{new} = {L_{old} \times \left( \frac{{CFM}_{new}}{{CFM}_{old}} \right)}$Resulting in:${HP}_{new} = {{HP}_{old} \times \left( \frac{new}{old} \right)}$

If the static pressure is not acceptable, wheel diameter must be resizedusing:${SP}_{new} = {{SP}_{old} \times \left( \frac{D_{new}}{D_{old}} \right)^{2}}$Resulting in:${CFM}_{new} = {{CFM}_{old} \times \left( \frac{D_{new}}{D_{old}} \right)^{3}}$${HP}_{new} = {{HP}_{old} \times \left( \frac{D_{new}}{D_{old}} \right)^{5}}$

-   -   Where:    -   N=Speed        -   (Revolutions per minute)    -   CFM=Volume        -   (Cubic Feet per minute)    -   HP=Horsepower    -   SP=Static Pressure        -   (inches of water)    -   L=Wheel Length        -   (inches)    -   D=Wheel Diameter        -   (inches)

The below illustrate examples of preferred embodiments of the presentinvention: Wheel Housing Dimensions Diameter A B C D E 4″ 6.25″ 6.00″2.70″ 2.24″ 1.30″   4.5″ 6.65″ 6.50″ 3.00″ 2.50″ 1.25″ 5″ 7.15″ 7.25″3.12″ 3.02″ 1.91″   5.5″ 7.63″ 8.00″ 3.45″ 3.50″ 2.15″ 6″ 8.00″ 8.75″3.90″ 3.75″ 1.80″ 8″ 10.00″  11.50″  5.00″ 5.40″ 3.25″

Diameters available (inches) Number of Blades 4″ 29 blades 4.5″ 30blades 5″ 36 blades 5.5″ 36 blades 6″ 36 blades 8″ 52 blades

TABLE 3 CFM for different sized cross-flow/tangential wheels at zerostatic pressure and 1625 RPM. Static Pressure Wheel Sample Wheel Length(in.) (in.) Maximum Dia. (in.) 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 at 1750 rpm 4 350525 700 875 1050 n/a n/a n/a 0.18 4.5 500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 n/an/a 0.23 5 650 1000 1325 1650 2000 2325 2675 n/a 0.45 5.5 900 1350 17752200 2650 3100 3550 n/a 0.57 6 1400 1900 2350 2800 3300 3750 4225 0.65 83350 4500 5550 6700 7800 8900 1000 1.10

In sum, the advantages of using a cross-flow/tangential blower aregenerally as follows:

Uniform, extended airflow over large surfaces,

Space-saving installation due to 90 degrees airflow pattern or 180degrees air flow,

Fan length can be matched to appliance width (note: airflow conditionsremain the same even for wider appliances, i.e., there is a simplifieddesign and drafting in case of modular systems),

Quieter operation due to flow-inducing impeller and housing design,

Longer working life due to the robust design and location of bearingsaway from the hot air zone,

Works equally well in any arrangement, e.g., right or left hand drives,

Dynamically balanced to minimize noise and vibration,

High performance with low noise and low electricity consumption,

Long, narrow air flow path for very efficient cooling, and

Easier to install.

There are virtually innumerable uses for the present invention, all ofwhich need not be detailed here. For example, the cook top disclosedherein may be used in a side-to-side, back-to-back, or otherconfiguration for serving as part of a larger, expandable cooking area.Of course, this and all of the other disclosed embodiments can bepracticed without undue experimentation.

Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out thepresent invention is disclosed above, practice of the present inventionis not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions,modifications, and rearrangements of the features of the presentinvention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of theunderlying inventive concept. In addition, the individual componentsneed not be fabricated from the disclosed materials, but could befabricated from virtually any suitable materials. For example,construction materials for the cook top, the downdraft, and blower areat least one of: metal, glass, stone, a transparent material, tile,plastic, and manmade material.

Other features may be added to the conventional cross-flow blower tofurther increase the effectiveness, e.g., a heavy duty double-ballbearing motor, an aluminum impeller, and self-lubricating sleevebearings. Further, a tangential fan with c-frame shade pole motor may beused as it can better withstand hot air exhaust.

Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosedshapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could beprovided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually anyconfiguration. Further, although various components as described hereinas physically separate modules, it will be manifest that they may beintegrated into the apparatus with which they are associated.Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment canbe combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of everyother disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutuallyexclusive.

It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions,modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the presentinvention are differentiated by the appended claims.

1. An appliance comprising: a cook top having at least one cookingelement; a vent system operably connected to the cook top; and across-flow blower assembly operably connected to the vent system.
 2. Theappliance of claim 1, wherein at least one of the cooking elements is aninduction hob assembly.
 3. The appliance of claim 1, wherein at leastone of a centrifugal blower motor, squirrel cage wheel, blower housingassembly, large plenum chamber assembly are replaced with the cross-flowblower assembly.
 4. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the cross-flowblower assembly further comprises a cross-flow fan, a wheel, and ahousing that are attached below the cooktop and provide directcommunication to an opening in the vent system.
 5. The appliance ofclaim 1, further comprising storage space below the blower assembly. 6.The appliance of claim 1, wherein the cross-flow blower assembly furthercomprises a fan, a variable speed fan motor, an electrical currentregulator such that motor power output can be increased or decreased tochange the air output accordingly as needed, and a detector formonitoring airflow draw.
 7. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the ventsystem includes at least one of: an automatic, semi-automatic, or manualcontrolled ventilator, and a user interface to set, operate, and adjustthe ventilator.
 8. The appliance of claim 6, wherein the fan motor hasmultiple selectable or preset speed levels.
 9. The appliance of claim 1,wherein a cross-flow blower assembly further comprises a fan that isused as a power vent for removing air and mixing air, and for managementof moisture; and sensor for sensing the same.
 10. The appliance of claim1, further including at least one of: controls for controlling the ventsystem that are integrated with the cook top; electronic controls thatuse: a tactile, membrane, piezo, capacitance, resistance, inductionsystem, touch panel, or keypad for selection of operations; controlsconstructed of glass, metal or plastic; operating functions made bytouching a surface of the cook top constructed of glass, metal, orplastic; controls flush, raised, recessed, or remotely installed in anyplane or on any surface of the appliance; and a control remotelycontrolled by wired or by wireless electronics and located not on theappliance.
 11. The appliance of claim 1, further including a controldisplay mounted on a top, front, or side of the vent system or appliancefor easy viewing.
 12. The appliance of claim 1, further including anelectronic control housing that is detachable from vent system.
 13. Theappliance of claim 1, further including a control device with graphics.14. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the cook top is a slide-in,drop-in, or outdoor unit type.
 15. The appliance of claim 1, furtherincluding at least one additional cross-flow blower assembly and ventsystem.
 16. The appliance of claim 1, further including at least one of:an AC or DC powered electronic, mechanical, electromechanical sensor fordetecting at least one of temperature, resistance, and current to aid inthe control of the assembly.
 17. The appliance of claim 1, furtherincluding at least one of: a sensor used for detecting and controllingspeed for a fan/blower; an airflow sensor for detecting the flow of airpast a filter; a sensor to scan the surface of the work area for an itemplaced on the work area and to control automatic operation of the ventsystem; an ultrasonic flow, digital CO2 gas, and NDIR gas sensor thathas the ability to detect backpressure in an exhaust stream from or as aresult of strong winds at a house discharge vent; a sound-activatedsystem for controlling a vent system; and blower operations synched withcooking controls.
 18. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the vent systemis at least one of: fixed, retractable, and free-standing when used witha counter, island, wall, or mobile unit.
 19. The appliance of claim 1,further including warmer drawer below the assembly.
 20. The appliance ofclaim 1, further including at least one of: a display for showingoperation, function, speed, blocked filter, or time; an LED, LCD,Plasma, dot matrix, or vacuum fluorescent mechanism; and a rotating orpopup display.
 21. The appliance of claim 1, further including at leastone of: a true timed on/off control; a programmable set point;programmable set time; programmable set operation; programmable settemperature for turn on; and programmable filter change requirementbased on air flow.
 22. An appliance comprising: at least one cookingelement; a ventilator in communication with the element; a cross-flowblower in communication with the ventilator; and a heat exchanger influid communication with the blower.
 23. A cooking system comprising: aburner; a ventilator operably communicating with the burner; a blowerassembly operably connected to the ventilator; a filter drawer placedbelow the ventilator; and a filter placed at an angle in the drawer.